Election Commission changes Lok Sabha poll dates for Goa, Hazaribagh due to festivals

The Election Commission on Friday changed the Lok Sabha poll date for Goa and one seat in Jharkhand due to religious festivals following demands for the same.

The date for the two constituencies going to Lok Sabha polls in Goa has been advanced from April 17 to April 12.

Similarly, the date of polling in Hazaribagh constituency has been postponed from April 10 to April 17, a statement from the poll body said here.

April 17 coincides with a holy day observed by the Catholic community in Goa. Some Goa parties had written to the EC demanding change in dates for LS polls, saying April 17 is Maundy Thursday, a Holy day before Good Friday, a religious festival.

The EC had also received requests that in view of Ram Navami, the date of poll of Hazaribagh constituency be changed from April 10 as processions are taken out from April 8 to 10 in the area.